Human Resources Coordinator

The Giant Magellan Telescope is one of the most powerful ground-based telescopes ever engineered. It is designed to push the boundaries of human knowledge and explore the unknown. Now under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the premier locations on Earth for astronomy, the telescope will deliver the highest-performing combination of image quality, field of view, and light sensitivity ever achieved. From this southern hemisphere location, the Giant Magellan Telescope will use seven of the world’s largest mirrors to uncover the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, investigate the origins of chemical elements, and search for signs of life on distant exoplanets.

When complete in the 2030s, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be one of the largest public-private funded science projects in history. It is the work of the GMTO Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and international research consortium, founded by 16 universities and research institutions from the United States, Chile, Australia, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Our culture is impactful, inclusive, and fearlessly innovative. We tackle the most complex engineering challenges and scientific questions alongside talented individuals who share a passion for advancing humanity’s understanding of the Universe.

We invite you to join our team and leave your mark on the future of astronomy and beyond.

The Universe Awaits®

Human Resources

Human Resources Director

The Human Resources team is seeking a highly organized and proactive Human Resources Coordinator to provide comprehensive administrative and coordination support across all areas of Human Resources. The HR Coordinator will assist with recruitment, onboarding, training logistics, employee engagement activities, HR data management, and general administrative support. This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys supporting multiple functions to ensure smooth HR operations.

While this position’s primary focus (approximately 90%) will be on HR-related activities, it will also provide occasional (10%) office coordination and front-desk support, including assisting with visitors, meetings, and general office needs.

Human Resources Support (90%)

• Provide administrative support to the Human Resources team in all HR functions, including recruiting, onboarding, and employee engagement.
• Coordinate interviews, candidate communications, and scheduling for high-volume recruiting periods.
• Support the creation of job postings, track applicants, and maintain records within the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
• Assist with preparation of new hire documentation, onboarding materials, and orientation packets.
• Maintain personnel files, ensuring accurate and confidential record-keeping both digitally and physically.
• Support benefits administration, including enrollment tracking, employee communications, and benefits-related correspondence.
• Assist with HR reporting and data entry in HRIS systems.
• Help coordinate training sessions, workshops, and employee development activities.
• Draft meeting agendas, take notes, and assist in follow-up actions for HR team meetings.
• Assist with the organization of employee engagement events and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of HR operations.

Office and Administrative Support (10%)

• Serve as a point of contact for visitors and assist with reception coverage as needed.
• Support office logistics, including supply ordering, meeting set-up, and coordination during busy periods.
• Assist with filing, document organization, and other administrative tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in an HR coordination or administrative support role.
• Familiarity with HR compliance, onboarding, or benefits administration processes.
• Experience supporting full-cycle recruiting processes, including scheduling and candidate communication.
• Experience supporting employee training or development programs.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a professional and approachable demeanor.
• Demonstrated adaptability and a proactive, solution-oriented approach to work.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in document handling and data management.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and comfort learning new systems quickly.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

• Experience using HRIS or ATS systems such as BambooHR, Rippling, or similar platforms.
• Prior experience in a scientific, research, or technical organization.

Normal hybrid working conditions, with primary office location in Pasadena, California. The role requires in-office presence for key HR functions such as onboarding, training sessions, and recruitment events.

Occasionally may lift or move items up to 25 lbs (e.g., office supplies or onboarding materials).

No direct reports

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k)

$50,000- $80,000

The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.

To apply send your resume or CV and a cover letter to careers@gmto.org.

If your skills and experience are a match for the position or if we need additional information, we will contact you. If we do not see a suitable match between your qualifications and the position, we will keep your information on file in the event future positions become available that are more suitable to your qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.